Personalities

Joe Jonas, left, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas, right, of the music group The Jonas Brothers are shown at MTV Studios in Times Square in New York in 2007. The band announced this week they're ending their highly successful run.

Author Neil Gaiman to join Bard faculty

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON - Neil Gaiman is joining the faculty of Bard College as an arts professor.

His latest novel, "The Ocean at the End of the Lane," was at the top of the New York Times best-seller list earlier this year. He also created "The Sandman" series of award-winning graphic novels.

Gaiman starts teaching in the spring 2014 semester. He'll offer an advanced writing workshop exploring fantasy fiction, including its history and meaning today.

At 52, he's a prolific writer spanning prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics and song lyrics. He has nearly 2 million Twitter followers.

Other works include "Neverwhere," "Stardust" and "Anansi Boys."

Gaiman was born in Britain. He lives in Cambridge, Mass., with his wife, singer Amanda Palmer.

Jackman honors mother-in-law

NEW YORK - When Hugh Jackman decided to marry the daughter of a woman who's dedicated her life to fighting cancer, he became part of the fight as well - it was a package deal.

The "X-Men" actor said that when he asked his mother-in-law Fay Duncan - president of the Fight Cancer Foundation in Australia - for her blessing when he proposed to Deborra-Lee Furness, she told him that supporting the fight against cancer was one of the requirements to get that blessing.

On Tuesday night, Jackman and his wife paid tribute to Duncan, one of several honored at the annual Angel Ball benefit that raises funds for cancer research.

The evening featured performances from Pharrell Williams, Usher and Chaka Khan.

Stevie Wonder plans 2 albums next year

LOS ANGELES - Stevie Wonder plans to release two albums next year, including some newly written songs, and he's working on a third.

The 63-year-old performer said in an interview Tuesday that his first albums in eight years would be "When the World Began," a collaboration with producer David Foster, and "Ten Billion Hearts."

Wonder, who filed for divorce last year, said the new music was inspired by "my children, family, change, growth, heartbreaks."

He's also using hip-hop elements to convey political messages.

"I listen a lot to rap, and I'm inspired to take it, to use it in another way, to get the message across," Wonder said.

Rolling Stone reported over the summer that the album with Foster would include reworked versions of several of his biggest hits played with a symphony orchestra.

Wonder also plans to fulfill a promise to his mother Lula, who died in 2006, by recording a gospel album in her memory.

First, though, Wonder plans a celebration of one of his most acclaimed albums, 1976's "Songs in the Key of Life."

Joined by musicians from the original recording as well as contemporary recording artists, Wonder will perform the album in its entirety for the first time Dec. 21 at his annual Los Angeles charity concert. Last year's House Full of Toys benefit concert included performances from Justin Bieber and Drake.

The Jonas Brothers announce breakup

NEW YORK - The Jonas Brothers are disbanding.

Nick, Joe and Kevin announced Tuesday they're ending their highly successful run. The news comes after the brothers abruptly canceled their tour over creative differences earlier this month.

The breakup was first reported by People magazine. Publicist Jesse Derris confirmed the news and said no other details were available.

The brothers told People the breakup was unanimous and came after Nick Jonas told his brothers in a meeting earlier this month that he felt "trapped."

The New Jersey brothers formed the band in 2005 and built a fan base through their association with the Disney Channel.

The band had been scheduled to release its fifth album later this year.

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Personalities

Author Neil Gaiman to join Bard facultyANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON - Neil Gaiman is joining the faculty of Bard College as an arts professor.His latest novel, 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane,' was at the